Noctuidae : Noctuinae
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Purple Clay
Diarsia brunnea

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) 2122 / 73.332
Photo © John William Cooper,  Rodley

Similar Yorkshire Species
Ingrailed Clay
Diarsia mendica
Square-spotted Clay
Xestia stigmatica
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Express Record Purple Clay

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Yorkshire Status: Fairly common and fairly widespread resident.

In 1907 Porritt described Purple Clay as "abundant no doubt everywhere". This is not quite the case nowadays as it is less common in some lowland areas. Like the previous species, it is commonest in upland wooded districts, and seems to be not doing quite so well in the south-east of England where it has disappeared from some sites. Numbers in Yorkshire seem to be stable. Fresh moths are an attractive purplish-brown colour, not seen in other Diarsia species.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Skinner (1984) suggests this species should be 'widespread and common' inhabiting deciduous woodland. Our records suggest it is widespread but found at a low density, only being reasonably common in higher wooded sites.

Recorded in 150 (75%) of 200 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1845.
Last Recorded in 2023.
Additional Stats

< Barred Chestnut  |  Ingrailed Clay >
Forewing: 16-20mm
Flight: June - August
Foodplant:   Herbaceous and woody plants
Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 2
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
15/08/2023164SD67 - Ingleton
10/08/2023162SE88 - Pickering (E)
09/08/2023162SE88 - Pickering (E)
28/07/2023262SE89 - Hole of Horcum
28/07/2023162NZ80 - Goathland / Grosmont
  Immature   Adult   [Show Flight Weeks]
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
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